The horizontal tails on the first F-35 have been installed at Lockheed Martin’s Fort Worth facility, marking completion of major structural component assembly by the Joint Strike Fighter team, the company announced Tuesday. The next major milestone for the fifth generation fighter is engine installation in early 2006. Lockheed says Pratt & Whitney is scheduled to deliver the F135 engine to Texas before the end of December.
Airmen basic rarely go on to become four-star generals, but one who did retired last week after a 42 year career that saw him rise from a lowly slick-sleeve to the head of one of the Air Force’s most important major commands.